Home and Madder Anthology

We’ve been completely spoilt for choice with so many beautiful books arriving to inspire us for the new year. Currently the Loopettes are swooning over the elegant stitch pattern extravaganza of Madder Anthology One and the cosy simplicity of Quince & Co.’s first printed book Home.

Both take advantage of the amazing selection of Quince & Co. yarn that Loop stocks so we thought we’d introduce you to some of our favourites!

First to Home, a book dedicated to knits that make a space all the more comfortable and familiar. Designer Pam Allen, owner of Quince & Co. described how initially the ideas for Home where knitted accessories like cushions and baskets. However, she found herself drawn to squishy jumpers, warm socks and easy to wear cardigans – garments that are so key to our rituals of relaxing and telling us we are home.

Many of the projects use bulky yarns like Osprey and Puffin, as used in the Bergson socks above. These bulky projects are easy to knit and good projects for intermediate knitter. They are of course also the ideal instant gratification knits for the knitter who just want something simple to switch off with at the end of the day

The books light and simple photography echos the subtle pallet of neutrals, blues and occasional plums. The Maggie Cardigan uses the plump and squidgy Osprey in the softest tone of grey, but we think it this the prefect blank canvas for a bolder colour too.

Another classic cardie is Stella, over sized and ingenious! This garment can be worn upside down, allowing the length to become a cosy shawl collar.

If you’re not one for chunky knits then the most delicate mohair cardigan Anna is the most delightful wisp of colour and garter stitch. There is just something very satisfying about the humble garter stitch, which works to show off the soft halo of Piper, Quince & Co.’s mohair and merino blend.

Plus, a pillow (or two!) is needed to make sure you’re perfectly comfy while knitting.

And if you’re wondering what to do with all those scraps of bulky yarn …

Now if Home was your knits for winter, Madder Anthology One is the promise of spring. These pretty garments with their delicate stitch patterns embody the distinctive style of designer Carrie Bostick Hodge.

Art director and knitwear designer at Quince & Co. this anthology is a selection of soft and feminine designs. The patterns all stem from four unique ‘stitch stories’ that Carrie has effortlessly incorporated into her patterns. They reflect what she loves about knitting “beauty, movement and intrigue through stitches”.

The Camilla stitch pattern, a cascading fan boarded with eyelets, features on a jumper sized for both adults and babies.

One of the qualities of many of the Quince & Co. yarns is its high twist. This means that it provides excellent stitch definition for these patterns, as shown in the elongated stitches of the Beatrice Cardigan.

Though we’ve been singing the praises of Quince & Co. (and we could for several posts!) Madder Anthology One features some other brands too. Loop is particularly pleased that the Sibella Cardigan gives us an excuse to chose our favourite shade in The Fibre Company’s Canopy Fingering.

Canopy Fingering is a gorgeously soft blend of alpaca, merino and bamboo. Each shade has the a blend of colours, giving the most subtle heather to this drapey and smooth yarn.

The fourth stitch pattern from Madder Anthology One is Imogen, a cascade of floral lace, this time using Quince and Co.’s wool and silk blend Tern.

And if these luscious designs weren’t enough we are thrilled to have Madder Anthology Two arriving in February! Expect the same beautiful stitch details and gorgeous photography from the talented Carrie. Just send us a email, shop@loopknitting.com, if you would like to be notified when this (or any other item) is in stock.

And if you’re still not sure what to knit remember that our first Knit Along for Sous Sous starts on the 1st February!

Sous Sous is available to purchase as a PDF and a printed pattern, so make sure you get your copy of the pattern.

Also we are receiving a huge delivery of Madelinetosh Merino DK and Eden Cottage Bowland DK at the end of the month so everyone can chose their perfect colour in time.

We’ll be guiding you every step of the way with expert tips and tutorials, so come join the fun at the Loop group on Ravelry!

Happy Knitting!